May 07, 2009

Ex-Abilene Christian QB: Johnny Knox has that grown-man strength

Ex-Abilene Christian quarterback Billy Malone recalled the play as if it happened yesterday.

It occurred in a game against Angelo State last October. Entering the contest, opposing teams had played Cover-2 defense over the top of Abilene star receiver Johnny Knox. So Malone used Knox out of the slot against Angelo State.

``It was the first time we played Johnny there,’’ Malone said. ``And on one play – we called it Ram – I hit him with a bubble screen toward the sideline. Every defender on the field had the angle on him, and Johnny just walks down the sideline about 45, 50 yards.’’

Knox set a school record with 232 yards receiving yards that day. It was no surprise to Malone, who grew accustomed to Knox’s big-play ability.

``Everybody talks about his speed, but what people don’t know is Johnny has such strong hands,’’ Malone said. ``He’s just got that grown man upper-body strength.

``I guess at the next level, they talk about if receivers can get off of press coverage or whatever. With his strength and speed, he should have no problem. He’s going to do well for the Bears.’’

Of Malone’s 12,012 career passing yards, Knox was responsible for a large chunk of them. The Bears draftee caught 163 career passes for 3,250 yards and 43 touchdowns.

``Every time Johnny gets his hands on the ball, he has a chance of breaking the tackle,’’ Malone said. ``Then he’s gone.’’

Well, almost every time.

``Our play was the double option, double shake, where the inside receiver would run an 8-yard option route, then break it off into a slant or post,’’ Malone said. ``Every time we ran it, it was always open. But remind Johnny that he caught from behind against West Texas.’’

The Bear's lately seem to have one or the other. Put them both together and we will have the SOMEWHAT 85 Bear's! NOT Saying we'll ever have an 85 Bear's Team AGAIN, But IT Would be nice to have BOTH AN Efficient OFFENSE and DEFENSE!